Flu cases force busy local clinics to scramble
October 12, 2009 10:40 AM
THE GAZETTE
Flu-like illnesses are keeping health care workers hopping at doctors' offices and hospitals.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports both doctors' office visits and hospitalizations for flu-like illnesses are higher than normal for this time of year. In Colorado Springs, ERs and urgent care centers have been far busier than usual. Chris Valentine, spokesman for Memorial Health System, said the system's urgent cares have had to turn away patients at times.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports both doctors' office visits and hospitalizations for flu-like illnesses are higher than normal for this time of year. In Colorado Springs, ERs and urgent care centers have been far busier than usual. Chris Valentine, spokesman for Memorial Health System, said the system's urgent cares have had to turn away patients at times.
Almost all influenza cases identified have been H1N1, according to the CDC.
The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment is beginning to receive limited amounts of H1N1 vaccine.
Check back at gazette.com for further details as this story is updated
